Merton's typology of deviance outlines the strain that people experience as they attempt to access cultural goals through legitimate,institutionalized means.Of the following,which category illustrates gangsters and con-artists?
A) conformity
B) innovation
C) ritualism
D) retreatism

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gangsters and con-artists would fall under the category of innovation in Merton's typology of deviance. Innovators accept the goals of society but use illegal or illegitimate means to achieve them. This is in contrast to those in the category of conformity, who accept both the goals and means of society, or those in the category of retreatism, who reject both the goals and means of society. The category of ritualism involves individuals who have given up on achieving cultural goals but continue to follow institutionalized means.

Merton's Typology of Deviance Outlines the Strain That People Experience